Thomas Francis McDonald was born Feb. 9, 1939, in Los Angeles, California, to Francis and Mildred (Gonzalez) McDonald and passed away April 9, 2025, in Seward, at the age of 86 years and 2 months.
Tom grew up in Los Angeles and graduated from Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, California, with the Class of 1957. He attended Loyola University in Los Angeles for three and a half years, majoring in business before entering the Army in 1961. A proud Army veteran, he dedicated his service to the field of military intelligence while stationed in Africa for two of his three years in the Army.
On Oct. 7, 1967, Tom was united in marriage to Janis Crist in Canoga Park, California, and later made their home in Simi Valley, California. The couple moved to Crete in 1971 and raised their two children, Chris and Katie. During this time, Tom was employed by Crete Mills until his retirement in 2001. Tom enjoyed country living on their acreage and spending time gardening and landscaping. Tom and Jan enjoyed their travels to Italy, Greece, Turkey and Hawaii, as well as many cruises. Many wonderful years were spent traveling in their RV with Jan’s siblings and their spouses. His greatest joy came from being surrounded by his family.
Tom devoted his time and energy to helping and serving others. He was a proud blood donor, donating over 125 times until he was no longer able to. He was an active Lions Club member in Crete and Kiwanis member in Seward. He loved helping pack food for the backpack program and assisting with the flagpole installations. He served as a docent at the Nebraska National Guard Museum in Seward and he attended St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Seward.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Janis McDonald.
Tom is survived by his children, Chris McDonald of Dallas, Texas, and Katie (Darrin) Welch of Seward; grandson, Tyler Welch, and fiancé, Ashley Parde of Omaha; sister-in-law, Lois (Jim) Hough of Owasso, Oklahoma; brother-in-law, Larry (Mary) Crist of Crete; and numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Visitation will be Sunday, April 13, from 1 – 6 p.m. at Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home in Seward with family receiving friends from 4 – 6 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, April 14, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Seward with inurnment at Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery in Lincoln. Full military honors will be provided by the United States Army, American Legion Post 33 and Seward VFW Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children's Hospital.
Arrangements by Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home.
